Michael Cover Miller, a Uniontown native, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on January 7 at his home on Charles Street.
Michael was born in Uniontown on April 18, 1942 to the late Robert W. and Merda Mae Miller. His father, Robert, owned Wallace Miller & Bro. Jewelry Store on Main Street. After graduating from Uniontown High School in 1960, Michael attended the University of Pennsylvania as a freshman and transferred to West Virginia University where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in business and finance. He continued with graduate studies in Business Administration at Pennsylvania State University and received a MBA.
In 1968 he married Josephine Victoria Cuciti, a registered nurse and realtor born in New Salem. Together they raised two children: Elizabeth and Michael in their Chalk Hill mountain home a beloved gathering spot for family and friends. At home they would share stories and laughter around authentic Italian cuisine prepared by Josie, or Michael’s excellent California burgers and pork loin. He lived there for over 30 years before moving to Charles Street, the same street where his father and grandparents had lived.
Michael’s professional career included finance and business management of small and medium sized enterprises in Fayette and Westmoreland Counties as well as in Youngstown, Ohio, Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington state and Monterrey Mexico. Since 2016 he has been an adjunct instructor of Global Marketing for upper level marketing majors at West Virginia University and had just completed teaching the fall 2023 semester.
He loved his BMW motorcycles and Vespa scooters and continued to take Allegheny mountain road trips well into his 70’s solo and with friends. Michael got his private pilot’s license and flew small propeller planes out of the Connellsville airport from time to time. His daughter Elizabeth has lived in Italy for over 35 years and he and Josie both really loved visiting her at every opportunity. He enjoyed eating out with his local buddies and could often be found at Melonis, the Uniontown Country Club and Potter’s Grill. Michael was kindhearted to animals and took in stray cats including those from Europe.
Michael’s family included next of kin and lifelong friends. He is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, four sisters: Abby Dowling, Wendy Miller, Ann Halliday (Jay Halliday, husband) and Emily Miller; his niece Julia Dowling (Adis Alagic, husband) and nephew Will Halliday. Michael is preceded in death by his wife, Josie and son, Michael.
His memory will be forever cherished by those whose lives he touched and shared. He was a devoted husband and father as well as a loyal friend. Michael shared a very special bond with a small group of his high school friends who enriched his life.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Uniontown from 11 AM until noon, interment will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a favorite charity.
